KILLARNEY - GETTING AROUND

Walking

Killarney Town is so small that the best way to get around is on foot. For a quick and easy tour (taking less than 2 hours to complete), follow the marked Tourist Trail for the highlights of the main streets. You can pick up the Tourist Trail walking-tour guide, outlining the sights along the trail, at the Killarney Tourist Office, Aras Fáilte, at the town center on Beech Road (tel. 064/663-1633). The tourist office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:15am to 5:15pm from October until May, daily from 9am to 6pm in June and September and daily 9am to 8pm in July and August.

By Jarvey

The quaint horse-drawn buggies known as 'jaunting carts' or 'jarveys,' are one of the most charming features of Killarney. A jarvey is undoubtedly the best way to get around the national park since cars are not allowed. Rates are set and monitored by the Killarney Urban District Council and prices range from around €15 to upward of €50 per ride (up to four people), depending on the time and destinations. You can hire a buggy at the park near Muckross House or arrange a tour in advance by contacting Killarney Jaunting Cars, 10B Muckross Close, Killarney (tel. 064/663-3358).

By Bicycle

Killarney National Park, with its lakeside trails and forest paths is a cyclist's paradise. Another scenic ride beginning in Killarney takes you through the Gap of Dunloe where you'll see some of the most beautiful mountain views in the area. Bicycles can be rented from David O'Sullivan's Cycles, Lower New Street (tel. 064/663-1282) and at the Beech Road Car Park for approximately €15 per day or €80 per week. Most shops are open daily from 9am to 6pm, and as late as 8pm or 9pm in the summer.

By Taxi

Taxi cabs line up at the rank on College Square or you can also phone for a taxi from Killarney Cabs (tel. 064/663-7444), Dave's Taxis (tel. 087/679-8899), or Euro Taxis (tel. 064/663-7676).

Note: Not all cabs are equipped to accept credit cards so make sure you ask BEFORE you get in.

By Car

A car is the ideal way to explore County Kerry, abundant as it is with scenic routes and remote villages. Driving in Ireland might seem a daunting prospect at first, but provided you take appropriate care your trips will be safe and result in enormous pleasure. Unfortunately, road upgrades have not kept up with the increased usage so prepare for peak-hour traffic jams. If you plan to do a lot of exploring, keep in mind that narrow winding roads (as well as flocks of sheep) can often mean that journey times are longer than might be expected from distances calculated from a map. Plan your itinerary in advance to avoid spending excessive amounts of time behind the wheel.

There are a couple of large public parking lots near the center of Killarney Town, where parking costs around €1.50 per hour and up. We recommend you leave your car in one of these lots unless you're heading out to Killarney National Park on the Muckross and Kenmare road (N71) or setting out on the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula or Slea Head Drive (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) beginning and ending in Dingle.